(Hawaii)– Hōkūleʻa will start the new year on her Mahalo, Hawaiʻi tour with two January engagements at Ko Olina Resort. Weather permitting, the legendary voyaging canoe will be docked at Ko Olina Marina, Jan. 3-10, and return for a second visit Jan. 21-Feb. 3. During the two engagements, the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Ko Olina will be welcoming the general public and school groups to the marina to tour the canoe, meet crew members and participate in events highlighting the recent Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and the 42 year history and legacy of Hōkūleʻa.

“We want to give all of Hawaiʻi’s children and communities an opportunity to step on the deck of Hōkūleʻa and be a part of our voyages,” said Nainoa Thompson, president of Polynesian Voyaging Society. “This stop at Ko Olina will allow thousands of students, residents and visitors to visit the canoe and crew, learn about voyaging, and bring light to the community of Ko Olina and West Oʻahu to elevate the work being done to perpetuate culture, environment and education through multiple pathways,” he added.

Weather permitting, Hōkūleʻa and her crew will arrive at Ko Olina and be welcomed by the resort’s community of guests, residents and employees. The general public is invited to attend. (Validated parking at Ko Olina Marina available for arrival ceremony guests.)

Thursday, January 4, 2018

2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Talk Story with the “Real Moanas”

Location: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Meet some of Hōkūle`a’s female voyagers who will share their first-hand experiences sailing on the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and what it takes to become a crew member, captain and navigator on a traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe

January 4-9, 2018

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Canoe tours at Ko Olina Marina

The public is welcomed to join crew members aboard the Hōkūleʻa while she is docked at Ko Olina Marina and learn about daily life at sea. (Validated parking at Ko Olina Marina available for tour guests.)

January 10

Hōkūle`a departs Ko Olina and returns to Sand Island

January 21 to February 3

Hōkūle`a returns to Ko Olina Marina (Schedule of events to be announced)

As part of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s educational mission, the Hōkūle`a crew, in partnership with Ko Olina Resort will be welcoming O`ahu schools and the community to Ko Olina Marina to learn more about the legendary canoe and the importance of cultural and environmental stewardship.

Hōkūleʻa departed Waiʻanae on December 22, 2017, after a two week stop in Pokaʻi Bay where crew members welcomed and connected with more than 5,000 students, community members and visitors. The west side stop also was an opportunity to celebrate voyaging and community leaders, young and old, from the Waiʻanae area, including 1976 Hōkūleʻa crew member Buffalo Keaulana.

About the Mahalo, Hawaiʻi Sail

The Mahalo, Hawaiʻi Sail will give PVS an opportunity to thank Hawaiʻi’s people, bring Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia home to all of Hawaiʻi, share lessons learned from the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and deepen the organization’s connection and understanding of the important work being done here in the islands to care for the earth. During the port visits, PVS will engage with schools and organizations through outreach events, service projects, crew presentations and canoe tours.

About Hōkūleʻa

A symbol of cultural revival, the history of Hōkūleʻa is also being shared on this journey to inspire other indigenous cultures. This replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe was built 40 years ago and revitalized voyaging and navigation traditions throughout the Pacific. The canoe’s twin hulls allow her to handle large ocean swells and recover easily in the troughs of waves, and her triangular canvas sails can harness winds up to 20 knots. Hōkūleʻa first set out on the Pacific Ocean in 1975. Through the revival of the traditional art and science of wayfinding-navigating the sea guided by nature using the ocean swells, stars, and wind, Hōkūleʻa sparked a Hawaiian cultural renaissance and has reawakened the world’s sense of pride and strength as voyagers charting a course for our Island Earth.

About Polynesian Voyaging Society

The Polynesian Voyaging Society was founded in 1973 on a legacy of Pacific Ocean exploration, seeking to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs that inspire students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, one another, and their natural and cultural environments. For more information about the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Worldwide Voyage, visit www.hokulea.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.